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Webinar Series on the Legal Framework for IAEA Safeguards
Introduction
Application of safeguards is one of the main IAEA statutory functions. IAEA safeguards play an important role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons through the independent verification by the IAEA of States’ compliance with their nuclear non-proliferation undertakings. IAEA safeguards are embedded in legally binding agreements concluded between States (and regional organizations) and the IAEA which provide the legal basis for the implementation of safeguards.
The legal framework for IAEA safeguards consists, inter alia, of the IAEA Statute, States’ undertakings pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and/or treaties establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZ), safeguards agreements, protocols and subsidiary arrangements to safeguards agreements. Three types of safeguards agreements have been concluded by the IAEA with States and regional organizations (ABACC and EURATOM): comprehensive safeguards agreements (CSA) with non-nuclear-weapon States in connection with the NPT and NWFZ treaties; voluntary offer safeguards agreements (VOA) with the nuclear-weapon State parties to the NPT; and item-specific safeguards agreements with non-NPT States.
Member States interested to participate in the 2024 webinars are encouraged to review the Legal Framework for IAEA Safeguards as well as the publicly available resources under "Related resources".
Webinar 1: Legal Framework for IAEA Safeguards
October 2023
The first webinar on the Legal Framework for IAEA Safeguards was launched in October 2023 by the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi. In this webinar, the Director General, Director of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and legal officers of the Non-Proliferation and Policy-Making Section (NPPM) of OLA addressed the evolution of the legal framework for safeguards and its role in safeguarding nuclear material and facilities throughout the world. An overview of the existing legal instruments as well as IAEA efforts to help States developing safeguards related legislation and regulations to facilitate the implementation of their international non-proliferation and safeguards obligations at the national level were also provided during this webinar.
This webinar lays the groundwork for a series of interactive topical webinars to be organized during 2024 by OLA. Representatives of Member States are invited to participate in these future webinars.
Webinar 2: Existing Safeguards Legal Instruments – Why are they important, how they are concluded and what are the main provisions?
Thursday, 25 April 2024
10:00 am Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
During this seminar, the NPPM Section will discuss the conclusion, rights and obligations of the Parties and the legal aspects of the safeguards procedures set out in three types of safeguards agreements concluded between the IAEA and States (and regional organizations), namely CSA, VOA, item-specific safeguards agreements and protocols (small quantities protocols and additional protocols) to these agreements.
Webinar 3: The Global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime: NPT and NWFZ Treaties – What are they and what is the role of the IAEA under such treaties?
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
14:30-16:00 pm Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
During this webinar, the NPPM Section will discuss the main provisions of the NPT and the existing regional NWFZ treaties and the role of the IAEA under these treaties, in particular with respect to safeguards.
Webinar 4: National Legal and Regulatory Framework for Safeguards Implementation – Why they are important and potential for more common approaches?
Thursday, 7 November 2024
14:30-16:00 pm Central European Time (UTC+02:00)
During this webinar, the NPPM Section will discuss the legislative assistance programme of OLA, with a particular focus on the tailored approach provided by the NPPM section with respect to establishment of a State authority responsible for safeguards (SRA), inclusion of safeguards and import/export control provisions in the national laws and development of specific safeguards regulations aimed at facilitating the implementation of States’ safeguards obligations at the national level.